Average RN Salary in Idaho: See How Much ID Nurses Make in 2022
Updated June 16, 2023 · 5 Min Read
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Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. This growth can be attributed to the number of people seeking affordable homes in the Pacific Northwest outside the increasingly expensive northern California, Oregon, and Washington states.
This guide to registered nurse (RN) salaries in Idaho explains how these professionals can negotiate the best possible pay. Keep reading to find out where registered nurse salaries are highest and how other nursing salaries compare.
- Average Idaho RN Salary: $73,640 (Ranks 28th among all states)
- Hourly Idaho RN Salary: $35.41
- Projected Idaho RN Employment Growth (2018-2028): 19.9%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Projections Central
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Average RN Salaries in Idaho
The annual median registered nurse salary in Idaho is $75,560, with half of all annual RN salaries in Idaho ranging from $61,030-$79,360. This puts the median RN salary in Idaho slightly below the national median salary of $77,600. Half of all hourly registered nurse salaries in Idaho are between $29.34 and $38.16.
These are considerably lower than the median RN salaries in California ($124,000), Oregon ($98,630), and Washington ($95,350). However, a decreased cost of living, especially in housing, explains why nurses in Idaho earn lower salaries than in these states.
| Percentile | Average Annual RN Salary | Average Hourly RN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $59,640 | $28.68 |
| 25% | $61,030 | $29.34 |
| 50% (Median) | $75,560 | $36.33 |
| 75% | $79,360 | $38.16 |
| 90% | $98,030 | $47.13 |
Source: BLS
Idaho RN Salary, Adjusted for Cost of Living
Idaho's cost of living continues to rapidly rise, especially in Boise, where one report found that rent increased by 30% from 2015-2018. Fortunately, with a cost of living index of 91.2, it costs 8.8% less to live in Idaho than in the United States as a whole. The cost of living index compares the state cost of goods and services to the national average.
Adjusted for cost of living, the average RN salary in Idaho is the equivalent of $80,120, making it the 17th highest in the country.
- Average RN Salary Adjusted for Cost of Living: $80,120 (Ranks 17th among all states)
- Cost of Living Index (RPP): 91.2 (8.8% lower than the U.S. average)
Highest-Paying Cities for RNs in Idaho
With Boise's population and cost of living rising so quickly, it may be a surprise that it does not have the highest RN salaries in Idaho. Instead, Coeur d'Alene offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Idaho. Coeur d'Alene is also growing rapidly and is a popular commuter area for Spokane, Washington, which is approximately 30 miles away.
Lewiston is Idaho's only seaport. Boise is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and the local government continues to push for tech employers to relocate. Twin Falls and Pocatello, like many cities in Idaho, are known for their natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Pocatello is also home to Idaho State University.
| City | Average RN Salary |
|---|---|
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $78,600 |
| Lewiston, ID — WA | $78,150 |
| Boise City, ID | $75,510 |
| Twin Falls, ID | $71,760 |
| Pocatello, ID | $69,620 |
Source: BLS
Average Salaries for Other Nursing Roles in Idaho
The average RN salary in Idaho is considerably higher than the $47,940 annual average salary for all jobs in the state. However, if you are looking to earn even more, a graduate degree in nursing can improve your salary prospects.
Earning a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree prepares you to pursue employment as a nurse anesthetist, the highest-paying nursing specialty. A master of science in nursing (MSN) can qualify you for roles as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or clinical nurse specialist — all of which pay considerably more than registered nurse salaries in Idaho.
- Nursing Assistants: $30,380
- LPN/LVNs: $49,440
- Nurse Midwives: $61,740
- Nurse Practitioners: $105,290
- Nurse Anesthetists: $171,790
Source: BLS
Methodology and Sources
Registered nursing salary data by state is collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, released on March 31, 2022. Data reflects RN salaries as of May 2021. The highest-paying cities and states for RNs are ranked by average annual salary.
Cost-of-living data is collected from the U.S Bureau of Economic Analysis real personal income for states and metropolitan areas, released on December 14, 2021. RN salary adjusted for cost of living is calculated by multiplying each state's RN salary by its regional price parity (RPP). RPP measures differences in the cost of goods and services in a region compared to national prices.
Projected employment growth data by state is collected from Projections Central.
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